Thailand Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has reportedly urged police investigating Monday's fatal Bangkok bombing to watch the U.S. crime drama Blue Bloods to help them crack the case.
"Police investigators, especially the national police chiefs should watch this series. They will get tips, ideas and insights for their case," said Gen. Prayuth, according to the Bangkok Post, which said that the coup leader is "known for his passion for music and film."
"Though our officers may not be as capable as those in the series, we are good in our own league," he reportedly said.
Blue Bloods, which stars Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg, is a drama about a multi-generational family of cops that are in New York City law enforcement, according to the show's Facebook page (we don't watch it). Wahlberg plays a detective who is known for his hard-nosed investigation techniques, which can sometimes go too far.
Gen. Prayuth also urged Thais on Friday to use social media to express positivity about the country in a bid to help revive Thailand's international image, which was damaged by the attack.
"One thing we should do at the moment is help our country disseminate constructive information and stress Thailand's good qualities," he said in his weekly "Returning Happiness to Thai People" TV program.
PM Prayuth's weekly address - now in Thai with English sub. pic.twitter.com/YH76bJElLk— veena T. (@veen_NT) August 21, 2015
The U.S. has reportedly offered the use of its facial recognition technology to help with the investigation, the Associated Press reported on Friday, citing Gen. Prayuth. Prayuth said any cooperation between the two countries was limited to the equipment and wouldn't include any personnel.
The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok told Mashable it has informed Thai authorities that it stands "ready to assist with the investigation as needed," though it wouldn't confirm the facial recognition offer.
"We have a long history of law enforcement cooperation with Thailand, and we will continue to consult closely with local authorities regarding the attack and will provide assistance as appropriate," said Melissa Sweeney, an embassy spokesperson.
"We’re not going to comment on this ongoing investigation. We refer you to the Thai authorities for further information," she said.
Earlier, Gen. Prayuth told the media that it was a "breach of sovereignty" for the country to seek outside help, though Thailand later asked Interpol for help with the investigation once reports emerged that the suspect was a "foreigner" -- though not linked to an international terror group.
Twenty people were killed in the bombing at Bangkok's Erawan Shrine and dozens were injured. CCTV cameras from the scene recorded a suspect leaving a backpack at the site of the blast before calmly walking away. That man, whose image has been broadcast around the world, remains unidentified.
Thailand has said it would pay a reward for any information as to the suspect's name or whereabouts. Investigators also said they were seeking two accomplices in the bombing, as well as a woman.